This is a game that might have gone under the radar of many of us (including me). The makers of Second Life have just announced an interesting contest that is sure to get the attention of those among us who are aspiring to become game designers. Here's the full press release which also tells of a conference this coming Saturday in San Francisco:

Aspiring Game Developers Can Use Second Life to Create Endless Style of Games

AUSTIN, Texas, January 27, 2004 - Linden Lab™, creator of online world Second Life, and The Game Initiative, an organization that supports game developers worldwide, today announced the Second Life Game Developer’s Competition designed for aspiring game developers. The competition begins January 31, 2004 and coincides with the Game Initiative’s “How To Break Into Video Game Industry: Mini-Conference and Resume Workshop” taking place on that day in San Francisco. Winners will be announced on June 14, 2004.

Second Life is a rapidly growing, constantly evolving 3D online society, shaped entirely by its residents. Second Life residents have created everything from flying tanks to amusement parks to medieval castles where players battle giant insects. Already the most successful residents are making money developing activities, games and objects (clothing, furniture, weapons, etc.) for other residents. In-world building and scripting tools allow developers to build almost anything they want, allowing for boundless creative expression.

Developer teams will be asked to submit proposals for games that engage multiple users and can be played for at least an hour. Game concept possibilities are endless - quests, sports, brain games, obstacle courses, player vs. player, players vs. the environment - anything that brings Second Life players together. Up to 8 development teams will be chosen on March 8, 2004, given a plot of land, free Second Life accounts and 3 months to create their game in-world. Winners will be chosen during a month-long window in May/June where Resident usage or “Dwell” will be tracked for each game. The top three games will win land in Second Life and free accounts for an entire year.

“Second Life has always attracted extremely creative people and we’re looking forward to seeing what the game developers come up with,” said Philip Rosedale, CEO and Creator of Second Life. “We’re especially excited about tapping the potential of the aspiring game developers we’ll find at The Breakin Conference. Given the unique nature of Second Life and the passion and energy these young developers display, I anticipate some wild game ideas.”

“With Second Life, game developers and aspiring game developers now have an inexpensive new game development engine at their fingertips,” said Chris Sherman Executive Director of The Game Initiative] At “How To Break Into Video Game Industry” attendees will be able to speak with Second Life’s developers and learn more about the capabilities the application contains.

The “How To Break In” event takes place this Saturday, January 31, 2004 in San Francisco. The event is designed for artists, programmers and designers looking to get into the business. Attendees will have the opportunity to speak with industry insiders, including top recruiter Mary-Margaret.com and hiring managers from local game companies as well as to network and meet with industry veterans.

Students will learn how to build an early professional road map to a career in the game industry. Professionals looking to move into the business from other industries will learn how their experience and transferable skills can gain rapid entry into this industry. The event will also provide a great opportunity for local companies to meet potential new talent.

The cost is $35 in advance or $45 at the door. The event takes place at the 600 Townsend Building located in the South of Market Area at the corner of 7th and Townsend Streets in San Francisco. Registration is available online at http://www.TheGameInitiative.com

More information about the Second Life Game Developer’s Competition will be available January 30, 2004 on the game's official website, so keep an eye out for this!